THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a significant development following sustained opposition from villagers, the Saligao panchayat has directed the promoter of a controversial residential housing project at Bairo Alto Vaddo, Saligao to immediately stop all construction activities and has scheduled a site inspection on July 20.
The stop-work notice, issued by Saligao Sarpanch Lucas Remedios under Section 64(1)(J) of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, has been served on construction proponent Harish Arora in connection with the residential housing project at Survey No. 30/6-A, Bairo Alto Vaddo, Saligao.
According to the notice, the action was initiated after the panchayat received complaints from local residents represented by Jasmin Fernandes and Liberata Madeira.
The panchayat has also referred to a letter dated July 1, 2026, from the Office of the Senior Town Planner, Town and Country Planning Department, and a memorandum dated June 16 from the Block Development Officer, Mapusa, concerning alleged structural violations and alleged misrepresentation of facts in the project.
The notice directs the developer to "stop the construction work immediately" upon receipt of the order. It further states that the panchayat authorities will conduct a site inspection and inquiry on July 20 from at 11 am and has directed the project proponent to remain present at the site during the inspection.
The panchayat has warned that failure to comply with the notice would invite action under the provisions of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, and the rules framed there under.
The development comes after weeks of protests by Saligao residents, who have strongly opposed the proposed project, alleging that it is out of character with the village and raising concerns over the permissions granted for the development.
Villagers have also questioned whether the project complies with applicable planning and building regulations and have sought intervention from various government authorities.
"We have directed the developer to immediately stop the construction work and have fixed a site inspection to examine the allegations raised before the panchayat. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the inspection and in accordance with the provisions of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act," Remedios said.
